This Spanish villa-style property with great views of Camelback Mountain is one of Scottsdale's most luxurious desert retreats. The grounds feature pretty floral-lined walkways and arched entrances, and sophisticated rooms have lots of Spanish-inspired details, including dark woods and big mirrors. But all the extra fees can add up.

Arguably the most scenic resort in the Southwest, the Boulders is built to impress -- exceptional gym and spa; renowned golf courses; organic cuisine grown on the grounds; and casitas with wood-beamed ceilings. It's one of the best resorts in Phoenix.

Considered one of the top resorts in the Southwest for nearly a decade, the serene Sanctuary continues to impress its high-profile guests with its cuisine, spa, and gorgeous suites. It's not perfect -- few resorts are -- but it undeniably has the most desirable location in Scottsdale, overlooking Praying Monk Rock and the desert, not suburban sprawl.

The Four Seasons is one of the top luxury resorts in Scottsdale, with a gorgeous bi-level pool, an intimate setting in the Sonoran Desert, and beautiful grounds that blend with the surrounding landscape (expect tall cacti, flowering shrubs, and natural stone formations). The property comprises a cluster of low adobe-style buildings; the 210 rooms and suites are housed in 25 casitas, giving the Four Seasons the feel of a small village. The lobby is stunning and high-design, with colorful, modern Southwestern decor, wrought-iron light fixtures, and wood-beamed ceilings. Rooms aren't quite as stylish, but are still elegant and feature gas-burning fireplaces, L’Occitane toiletries, iHome alarm clocks, and plush beds. Solid dining options, a wonderful spa, a huge fitness center, and an on-site art gallery round out the experience. But there are fees for Wi-Fi and parking, and the parking lot is a bit far from the main building -- though staff can escort guests to and from in golf carts.

This 250-acre Starwood resort and conference center is a luxury property ideally situated on the edge of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix's Sonoran desert. The massive property makes a striking first impression, with its lush green landscaping, waterfalls, koi ponds, and palms set against a rugged backdrop. Meanwhile, communal interiors have an old-world luxury appeal with marble floors and chandeliers. For activities, there is a USGA 27-hole golf course and pro shop, 11 tennis courts with various surfaces, and a winding cactus garden for beautiful sunrise walks. The nine pools have attendants who will regularly deliver towels and pitchers of ice water, and a spa with 24 treatment rooms. Comfortable accommodations include 643 rooms in the hotel, 119 casitas near Necklace Lake, and a number of residential-style suites. Guests have their choice among 10 restaurants and lounges, as well as easy access to both Scottsdale and Phoenix.

A luxury resort built in 1929, the Arizona Biltmore has hosted presidents, celebrities, and socialites, from Marilyn Monroe to the Kennedys. The resort is a sprawling property studded with tall palm trees, and Camelback Mountain provides a stunning natural backdrop. Scattered throughout the resort you'll find 740 guest rooms decorated in a relaxed, elegant style; 78 one- and two-bedroom villas with gas fireplaces and balconies; and Ocatilla rooms with specialty services. The hotel is suited to both leisure and business travelers, with its full-service business center and luxe ballrooms. Couples and families are close to attractions and can enjoy golf, tennis, and swimming in multiple gorgeous pools on-site. The five dining and bar options include a swim-up bar and cafe with terrace seating. Some areas of the resort can get a bit smoky, and facilities can become crowded during golf tournaments and other on-site events.

This 869-room megaresort north of Phoenix with two 18-hole golf courses is so massive that even the street is named after it -- Marriott Drive. It's part of Marriott's JW luxury brand, and mostly lives up to expectations, but prices seem a bit high considering decor is a tad generic and signs of age are starting to show. The resort mostly attracts families who keep busy with an unending list of activities, as well as large conference groups gathering in one of the ballrooms. Some pointers: The higher the room the better the view (think mountain vistas and desert sunsets), and light sleepers should avoid the pool area to avoid late-night revelers and live music. For some peace and quiet, the Revive Spa has 41 treatment rooms and a healthy restaurant. The fitness center is small, but it does come with floor-to-ceiling windows, or guests can make use of the 4.2-mile jogging course around the property perimeter. One of the highlights is the 1,600 foot Lazy River pool, for relaxing inner-tube rides along the beautiful grounds.

W Marriott Camelback Inn, which dates back to the 1930s, is located in the upscale Paradise Valley section of Scottsdale, surrounded by tall desert palms, cacti, and rolling mountains. The styling of the Southwest is evident throughout the resort -- starting in the lobby, which has warm leather chairs, dark wood floors, and a big fireplace. The casita-style rooms feature log-beamed ceilings, French doors that open onto a private balcony or patio, and decor inspired by the desert surroundings. Seven suites on the property each have their own pool. But bathrooms need updating, and the accommodations overall lack the nuances of other properties in this class, such as the Sanctuary. Guests will find all the features of a large resort here, however, including six restaurants (one is BLT Steak), two 18-hole golf courses, spa, contemporary fitness center, free-form pool, and Jacuzzi.

The 60-room Canyon Suites at The Phoenician is a Scottsdale landmark among luxury hotels. This intimate boutique is located on the greater grounds of The Phoenician Resort and is one of the highest ranked properties in the region. This smaller site offers personalized service, a private pool with poolside food service, and beautifully landscaped surroundings. The views -- looking out to Camelback Mountain and the golf course -- are gorgeous. The pool and golf course are the two hot spots here, but other areas of Canyon Suites are elegant inside and out. There is a full service spa and fitness center with classes and a sauna, free chauffeured Mercedes around the resort and to Fashion Square, and wine happy hours hosted by sommeliers. This hotel definitely exudes prestige appropriate for its price point, although rooms aren't quite as luxe as one might expect at a hotel of this caliber. While The Suites is kid-friendly, the main resort may be the better option for families since the main clientele here are those celebrating honeymoons and anniversaries and traveling on business.

The four-pearl Fort McDowell is stocked to the gills with features: A casino, two 18-hole golf courses, live events, restaurants, lounges, and a heated pool. Views of surrounding mountains are stunning, and the Native American-style decor is handsome. But rooms, though spacious, aren't particularly stylish, and the resort is a far 30-minute drive to Scottsdale. It's worth comparing rates with The Talking Stick Resort and Casino, which has nicer rooms and a more convenient location.